lynch



(No Model.)

. v 2 Sheets--Shet 1, J. LYNCH.

ELECTRIC WIRE GONDUIT.A

PatentedJune 18, 1889.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets--Sheet 2. J. LYNCH.

ELEGTRIG WIRE CONDUITE.

No. 405,576. PatentedJune 18, 1889.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEo JOHN LYNCH, OF XVASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ELECTRIC-WIRE CONDUIT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 405,576, dated J' une 18, 18819.

Application filed October l, 1887.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN LYNCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at lashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Underground Conduits for Electric Vires; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, .reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters or figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to underground conduits for electric wires, and has for its object the production of a simple and inexpensive construction and one that may be readily and conveniently placed in position. In the present case I propose to utilize terra-cotta or other like material in the construction ofthe improvement.

Heretofore, so far as I am advised, it has been proposed to make aconduit-section in complete form by forcing it through a die or otherwise, and which conduit contained integrally the internal partitions. This arrangement is highly objectionable, however, as it is very difficult to dry and burn such shapes without the partitions cracking or warping. Furthermore, prior constructions incurred the disadvantage of being cumbersome, since in order to render them of cheap as well as easy production it was necessary to make a complete section of considerable length. My improvements rectify and avoid the objections noted, and at the same time receive additional advantages for this class of devices.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure l is a perspective view of a block or section made in accordance with my improvement. a like view representing the manner said seotions are superimposed. Fig. 3 is an end view representing the sections built up in a closed tube or casing. Fig. i is a like view illustrating the provision for increasing the number of sections, and Figs. 5 and 6 are modifications.

Primarily my invention consists in a conn duit comprising a series of superimposed sections or blocks A, which form the longitudinal Fig. 2 is Serial No. 251,161. (No model.)

of these sections of a size to be conveniently handled, so that they can readily be laid and ad j usted by hand. Each section A consists of a base portion b, from which rises the vertical side and central ribs c which extend longitudinally, as shown. As shown, the lower angular corners of the base b maybe cut away to form longitudinal curved recesses c to receive corresponding heads c', Fig. 5, formed on the top of the block of the underlying section, for the purpose of causing the section to register and prevent lateral displacement. In operation one of these sections forming the base or lower one is placed in position, and then a second section is placed thereon, as represented in Fig. 2. I prefer to form in the upper face of the base b of each section, and at each side of the central rib CZ, a longitudinal channel or depression (,which serves to receive and carry oif all moisture that may collect in its respective passage a.

In Fig. 3 I have represented the superimposed sections as arranged within a closed tube or jacket of any suitable length. This latter consists of an upper and lower section C D, each of which has the two vertical sides which align with corresponding sides of the other section. This jacket may be readilyT formed by running it out in a tubular form,

and then severing it into two separate sections and baking them.

Varying numbers of sections A may be provided for by making tube-sectigns C D, having vertical. flanges of different widths, so that by substituting an upper jacket-section having broader side flanges for the top` sections C of a conduit already laid the capacity of the conduit can be increased; or, in case of the introd uction of additional sections A, the upper jacketsection C may be elevated to permit the insertion of auxiliary side plates E, as shown in Fig. 4, which increases the interior capacity of the conduit.

I do notlimit myself to the precise form of section A, as it will be readily understood that it may be modified and changed and still meet the essential requirements of my invention.

IOO

Thus in Fig. I have represented the section as having a top F spanning the ribs c c d, so that each section of itself contains the closed passages a. The gutter or passage faces of each section may be rendered completely impervious t0 moisture and their insulation increased by being glazed in burning or coatedv With asphaltum or other suitable composition or material. The arrangement and construction are such that the sections can be arranged either contiguously or be placed a short distance apart, in Which latter event care should be taken that they are not spaced too far to permit the ends of the Wires t'o drop between their adjacent ends if it should be necessary to feed or force them through the passages a between man-holes.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement wherein the incasing tube or jacket consists simply of a U-shaped section, vwhich is open at its top and in which the sections A can be readily built up. In this arrangement a plate or cap can be placed either on the tube or on the upper section of the series, or a section A having a top F like that shown in Fig. 5 be used. Other features that will readily suggest themselves maybe available. Thus, for instance, drain gutters or channels h may be formed in the bottom of the inclosing-tube and communicate with the gutters of the respective sections at suitable points by means of vertical passages.

I claim* l. The herein-described improved conduit for electric wires, comprising a series of superimposed sections consisting each of abase recessed at its corners and sidev and central vertical ribs, the former having upper curved edges, substantially as set forth.

' 2. The combination, in a terra-cotta conduit for electric Wires, of an inclosing case or tube having a gutter to carry off moisture, a series of superimposed sections built up Within said case and having each a central vertical rib, and longitudinal ducts or passages on either side of said rib, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

JOHN LYNCH.

Witnesses:

D. DAviDsoN, GOODWIN Y; A'r LEE. 

